HAL Readies Light Combat Prototype, Eyes Heavier Bird

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. expects to start flying a prototype light combat helicopter within about a year and is looking for partners to develop a 11-ton attack helicopter, according to The Hindu. The Indian manufacturer's chairman, Ashok Baweja, told the newspaper the light helicopter's detailed design should be finished by this December and a prototype should fly by the end of 2008. As for the heavier bird, he said HAL is "at the stage of firming up specifications with the customers and finding partners." He added that the attack helicopter will have to be tailored to India's very high altitudes and very hot temperatures. "Most machines in the world are a little short on that." For related news